Your hardwood flooring has been installed and you couldn't be happier with the decision. You can see that you've made a a wise investment but improper cleaning could significantly reduce the life of your hardwood flooring. Some Things to Watch Out For: - Dirt acts like sand paper on your hardwood flooring, so placing floor mats at entrances can reduce the amount of dirt tracked in.
- Spills can warp poorly treated wood. Be vigilant when you mop up liquids.
- Avoid harsh cleaners. Use cleansers with a neutral PH, preferably made specifically for hardwood flooring
- Direct sunlight can bleach and warp your hardwood flooring; protect your floor with blinds or curtains.
- When moving furnishings be sure to lift them, don't drag them over the floor.
Regular Cleaning: - Sweep using a broom with softly tasseled ends.
- Vacuum with a bare floor attachment that has soft bristles; be sure never to use a beater brush head.
- Use a dust mop that has been treated with special spray and apply it to the mop at least 12 hrs before use.
Maintenance: - The application of wax can bring a new look back to your hardwood flooring in minutes. However, wax needs to be completely removed before you apply a refinish on your floor, or your new finish will lift away from the wax residue.
- Using a light polish or floor wax made for hardwood flooring gives your floor some added protection from inevitable spills and drops.
- Natural wood is an absorbent material and as such, the wood expands when it is humid; conversely, the wood contracts when it is dry - this can cause the floor to creak.. To silence these sounds apply some liquid wax, talcum powder or graphite shavings between the noisy boards
- For day to day spills or any shallow surface damage, simply buff the damaged waxed surface with fine steal wool soaked in soap and water then re-wax the area.
By keeping on top of the day to day maintenance of your hardwood flooring you can ensure that you will continue to enjoy using it for years.
About the Author
Angelique Gervais owns and operates a graphic design business serving rural areas in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada. She recently completed editing and compiling an anthology for her local writers' group, of which she is an active member. Angelique holds a degree in Biblical Studies, and she is currently expanding her education in the areas of psychology and human development at the Masters level.
*Before you apply any of the advice described on the Hip-home.com website, you should consider if the advice is safe and suitable for your individual home situation and consult experts as necessary to evaluate the suitability for your circumstances. 
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